Eric Rogers, undrafted Rutgers product for the Los Angeles Chargers, stole the limelight at SoFi Stadium with two interceptions, including a pick-six, while surrendering just five targets with zero catches allowed. His ball-tracking and eyes-up coverage drew early high praise, hinting at one of the strongest preseason coverage grades in years. Rogers exited late on crutches after an unspecified injury, leaving questions about his health for Week 1 preparations.

On the Saints side, the QB derby between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough dominated the spotlight. Shough delivered a 54-yard TD strike to Mason Tipton but also absorbed a Rogers pick-six, while Rattler faced surgical pressure, taking sacks and facing long clean pockets. PFF graders will finalize the full game grades tomorrow, but the early snap data and standout play echoed a defensive-leaning, evenly matched tune-up that leaned toward the Chargers’ edge in this opener.

Tyler Shough’s preseason debut for New Orleans flashed both promise and learning curves. He completed 15 of 22 passes for 165 yards, threw a touchdown, and bore a single interception, capped by a 54-yard connection to Mason Tipton that put the Saints on the board. The sequence underscored his downfield vision and quick decision-making, even as rookie miscues surfaced earlier in the game. Shough’s ability to rebound and drive the offense suggests a credible shot at leading the quarterback competition, with his mobility appearing limited (three rushing yards) but his dropback passing presence notable. Meanwhile, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener posted modest numbers, leaving Shough with the clearest signals of the trio’s ceiling in August. The Saints will monitor pocket poise, ball location, and turnover control as camp unfolds, weighing whether Shough’s in-game rhythm translates to sustained fantasy upside behind an unsettled offense.

Tyler Shough flashed in New Orleans’ preseason tilt with the Chargers, going 15-of-22 for 165 yards with a touchdown and an interception, plus three rushing yards and two sacks. A pick-6 by Eric Rogers opened a “welcome to the NFL” moment, but Shough rebounded with a long TD to Mason Tipton and a composed late-half drive. The Saints’ QB competition—Shough vs. Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener—got a tangible data point, with Shough finishing with an 86.2 passer rating and demonstrable poise under pressure.

Coach Kellen Moore lauded Shough’s two-minute drive progression and his ability to bounce back emotionally after the INT, suggesting a potential early edge in a wide-open battle. The result was a mixed but promising showing for the Louisville product, one that keeps the Saints squarely in the QB mix as the preseason unfolds. Tipton’s big catch and Rogers’ early pick-6 moment framed a broader storyline: Shough’s ability to respond could dictate his future role in a high-floor, competition-heavy Saints’ offense.